When it comes to baking, an egg wash is a must-have ingredient that can help add flavor and texture to your creations.
But what if you’re out of eggs? Or what if you have dietary restrictions that make it difficult to use them?
Fortunately, several great substitutes for egg wash can help you get the same results.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the best substitutes for egg wash so you can still get the same results without having to break the bank or worry about dietary restrictions.
Read on to find out more!
1. Milk or Cream
Milk or cream can be one of the great substitutes for egg wash when you’re in a pinch.
Milk can help keep pastry dough moist while it bakes, while cream helps with browning and gives the crust an appealing shine.
To use milk or cream as an egg wash substitute, lightly brush the top of your pastry dough with the liquid before baking.
Add a small pinch of sugar or salt to the milk or cream for extra flavor. Alternatively, you can mix equal parts of milk and butter to create a creamy egg wash substitute that adds flavor and texture to your finished product.
2. Melted Butter
Melted butter is a great alternative for egg wash. You can brush the tops of pastries or bread before baking to give them a beautiful golden brown crust.
It’s also great to add flavor and richness to your baked goods. The key is to make sure the butter is melted, not too hot, and spread evenly over the surface of your dough or pastry.
You can also use melted butter as a glaze for cookies or cakes or mix it with herbs and spices for a delicious savory topping.
With its versatility and delicious flavor, melted butter makes an excellent substitute for egg wash!
3. Golden Yolk
The golden yolk is one of the most popular substitutes for egg wash.
To make a golden yolk substitute for egg wash, simply whisk together one egg yolk, two tablespoons of melted butter, and one tablespoon of cold water.
This mixture can be used to brush over pastries, cakes, and bread for a glossy golden finish. It’s also great for adding a bit of flavor and richness.
However, keep in mind that using a golden yolk substitute will not result in the same golden color as using egg wash.
If you want to add more flavor or color to your golden yolk substitute, you can add seasonings like garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
This will give your dishes an extra layer of flavor and make them look even more appetizing.
When baking with a golden yolk substitute, it is important to adjust baking times and temperatures to account for the added liquid.
To ensure that your end product is golden-brown, you can use an egg wash before baking or drizzle melted butter over the top once your baked goods come out of the oven.
4. Almond Milk
Almond milk can be used as a vegan alternative to egg wash, making it perfect for dishes that require the glaze of an egg wash.
This substitute works well with many different types of foods and gives a nice golden brown color and glossy finish.
Simply combine one cup of almond milk with one tablespoon of olive oil, one teaspoon of sugar, and a pinch of salt.
The mixture should be brushed on the surface of your food before baking. This mixture can also be used to coat vegetables before roasting them.
Almond milk is a great choice when it comes to substitutes for egg wash if you are looking for a healthier alternative.
Moreso, it contains healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants, making it a good addition to any meal.
Additionally, almond milk is much lower in calories than traditional egg wash and is lactose-free, making it suitable for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan.
5. Flaxseed
Flaxseed is one of the excellent substitutes for egg wash. It can be used to coat pastries and other baked goods, as it adds a nice crunch and golden color.
All you need to do is mix ground flaxseed with water in a ratio of 1:3 and then brush it over the desired food.
This mixture can be used to achieve the same effects that egg wash would normally bring.
Flaxseed is a great option if you want to avoid using eggs altogether or if you’re out of eggs and need an egg wash substitute right away.
This mixture will give your dishes the golden-brown color and a nice crispness that you would get from egg wash.
Furthermore, flaxseed contains essential fatty acids, which can help improve your cholesterol levels and protect against certain diseases.
Plus, it’s very low in calories and a great fiber source. All in all, flaxseed is an excellent choice for those looking for egg wash substitutes.
6. Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is one of the easiest and most common substitutes for egg wash for adding shine to pastries.
All you need to do is spread a thin layer of mayonnaise onto your pastry before baking it.
The mayonnaise adds a nice glossy sheen, making your pastry look even more delicious. It also adds a little extra flavor to your pastry, which is a bonus!
When substituting mayonnaise for an egg wash, it’s important to remember that the results may not be quite as shiny as those achieved with an egg wash.
You can always add a bit more mayonnaise if you need a more pronounced shine.
Additionally, be sure to keep in mind that mayonnaise contains oil, so you should adjust the amount of oil or butter in your recipe accordingly.
7. Breading with Crumbs
If you are looking for a healthier option to use instead of an egg wash, breading with crumbs is the perfect substitute.
To do this, combine bread crumbs and seasonings of your choice in a shallow bowl.
Place the food item you would like to bread in the bowl and make sure it is coated on both sides.
Once your food item is fully covered in the crumb mixture, cook it according to the recipe instructions.
Breading with crumbs is a great way to add flavor and texture to any meal without using an egg wash.
In addition, breading with crumbs, on our list of substitutes for egg wash, is a great way to keep dishes vegan-friendly.
For those who follow a vegan diet, there are plenty of bread crumbs made from non-animal products that can be used instead of traditional eggs.
This is a great option for vegans looking for a delicious and easy way to coat their food items without using animal products.
8. Batter-Fried
Batter-frying is also one of the great substitutes for egg wash when baking or frying foods.
Batter-fried foods have a crunchy outer layer and a tender, juicy interior that makes them irresistible.
To make batter-fried food, mix together a batter of flour, baking powder, and water and then dip the food into the mixture.
The food can then be fried in oil or air-fried for a healthier option. Batter-frying is a great way to add flavor and texture to your dishes without using eggs.
When making a batter-fried egg substitute, it’s important to use a high-quality oil such as canola or vegetable oil.
This will ensure that your food won’t absorb too much of the oil and remain greasy.
Additionally, you’ll want to ensure that the batter is thick enough to stay on the food and not drip off.
Once you’ve created the batter, dip your food into the mixture, shaking off any excess before frying.
Once done, you’ll have a delicious egg-free dish that will satisfy your craving for something crunchy and flavorful.
9. Milk
Milk is not left out of this list of the best substitutes for egg wash when baking.
Not only is it much healthier, but it also provides a glossy finish to your baked goods. To use milk as a substitute for egg wash, mix one part milk with one part water.
Before baking, this can be brushed onto the top of your pastries and bread. Add one teaspoon of sugar to the mixture for a golden brown finish.
Milk provides an effective and delicious alternative to using eggs in your baking.
10. Vegan
For those looking for vegan substitutes for egg wash, there are several options that can be used to achieve the same results.
One popular option is to mix equal parts of non-dairy milk and vegetable oil.
This combination creates a slightly thicker mixture that can be applied to pastries or bread as a glaze. You may also want to add some sugar or spices to the mix to give it extra flavor.
Another vegan-friendly option is to use a combination of apple cider vinegar and water.
This combination will help create a light coating on your baked goods and give them a slightly tangy flavor.
For an even more decadent vegan alternative, you can mix melted coconut oil and maple syrup together for a thick glossy glaze.
Regardless of your vegan substitute, it’s important to remember that the egg wash still serves an important purpose.
It helps to give the crust of your pastries or breads a crispy and golden brown finish, as well as helping them to stay moist during baking.
Experiment with different combinations until you find the perfect substitute for your recipe!
11. Oil
Oil can be a great substitute for egg wash if you’re looking for a healthier option.
It can be used as a simple glaze, brushed onto pastries and bread to create a golden and glossy finish.
When using oil, it’s important to remember that the oil needs to be light, such as vegetable or olive oil, as heavier oils may betoo greasy.
Additionally, you don’t want to use too much oil, or else it will take away from the desired golden brown color.
12. Honey or Maple Syrup
If you’re looking for sweet substitutes for egg wash, honey or maple syrup are both excellent alternatives.
Honey can be used as a glaze for pastries, tarts, and doughnuts. Maple syrup gives a lovely sheen and extra sweetness to pies, muffins, and bread.
All you need to do is brush on a thin layer of the syrup of your choice onto the top of whatever you’re baking.
The syrup will caramelize and form a light golden crust while baking, giving your treats an extra flavor boost.
Remember that because these substitutes are high in sugar, they can darken quickly while baking, so it’s important to monitor them carefully.
13. Yogurt
Yogurt is another great alternative to egg wash that offers a little tanginess and flavor.
To use yogurt as a substitute, mix it with a bit of water until it reaches a consistency that’s similar to a beaten egg.
Then, brush it over your baked goods just like an egg wash. It’s a great substitute if you want to add extra flavor to your bread or other recipes.
You can also add a little salt or sugar to the yogurt for even more flavor. Yogurt is a versatile and healthy alternative to egg wash.
It’s rich in protein, low in fat, and contains probiotics that benefit gut health.
Plus, it’s inexpensive and easy to find in most grocery stores. So if you’re looking for healthier and more flavorful substitutes for egg wash, yogurt is worth trying out.
14. Custard Powder
Custard powder is a common baking ingredient that can be a great substitute for egg wash.
This powder, made of sugar, cornstarch, and food coloring, mixed with water or milk, is an easy and effective way to create a golden crust on baked goods.
To use custard powder as an egg wash substitute, mix equal parts of custard powder and cold water in a bowl until it forms a thick paste.
Next, brush the paste onto the surface of the food you are baking before putting it in the oven. The result is a beautiful golden crust that adds flavor to your baked goods.
When using custard powder as an egg wash substitute, it’s important to remember that it will not brown as quickly as an egg wash would.
Therefore, you should give your food a few extra minutes in the oven to ensure it gets a nice golden crust.
Additionally, you should use less custard powder than egg wash, as it can be quite strong in flavor.
With the right measurements and baking time, however, you can create a delicious baked good with a beautiful golden crust!
We’ll draw the curtains on our list of the best substitutes for egg wash here!
Conclusion
When looking for that perfect golden brown crunch on your favorite baked goods, nothing can compare to an egg wash. But what do you do if you’re out of eggs?
Don’t worry; plenty of egg wash substitutes can help you get the same desired results. Above, we looked at the best substitutes for egg wash, so you can keep baking with ease.
